By RNZ.co.nz. Republished with permission.

There was a street festival vibe to many Pasifika-organised Vaxathon events around the country today.

Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, Auckland run by the Tongan Health Society. The society's CEO Dr Glenn Doherty (middle) says they're giving 100 doses per hour.
Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, Auckland run by the Tongan Health Society. The society’s CEO Dr Glenn Doherty (middle) says they’re giving 100 doses per hour. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen

Thousands of Pacific people have taken the chance to be vaccinated against Covid-19 – with organisers going out of their way to make many events as much fun as possible.

In Onehunga at the Langimalie Supervax Event long queues of cars held occupants waited to be vaccinated, while outside people danced in the streets, waving Tongan flags, and brightening the mood of all those around them.

At the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, organised by the Tongan Health Society.
At the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, organised by the Tongan Health Society. Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
At the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, organised by the Tongan Health Society
At the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga, organised by the Tongan Health Society Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
Dancing in the street at the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga.
Dancing in the street at the Langimalie Supervax Event in Onehunga. Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā

The Tongan Health Society chief executive, Dr Glenn Doherty, said they were giving 100 vaccine doses per hour at the event.

In Ōtara, while the vibe was more chill, long lines still snaked slowly around the MIT carpark as large numbers waited for their doses.

Lines of cars stretch out at the MIT carpark in Ōtara for the Super Saturday vaccination event
Lines of cars stretch out at the MIT carpark in Ōtara for the Super Saturday vaccination event Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
A big response from the community in Ōtara to the Super Saturday vaccination event
A big response from the community in Ōtara to the Super Saturday vaccination event Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā

The Samoan flags were waving at the Super Saturday vaccination event at the Browns Road netball courts in Manurewa, with those turning up getting a dose of Siva Samoa with their vaccine.

A man waving a Samoan flag and blue face covering dances at the Browns Road netball courts in Manurewa.
A man waving a Samoan flag and blue face covering dances at the Browns Road netball courts in Manurewa. Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
One of many Samoan flags waved at Manurewa Super Saturday event
One of many Samoan flags waved at Manurewa Super Saturday event Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā

The Samoan community there gave out food parcels, sanitary products and petrol vouchers.

In Māngere, at the LDS church on Robertson Road, it was all about Kuki Airani culture.

Welcome to the Cook Islands Vaccination Drive-Thru
Welcome to the Cook Islands Vaccination Drive-Thru Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā
Entertainment at the Cook Islands Māngere Vaccination Drive Thru.
Entertainment at the Cook Islands Māngere Vaccination Drive Thru. Photo: Coconet TV / Penina Momoiseā

The ‘Do it 4 the East’ youth-led vaccination event in East Porirua’s Cannons Creek featured live music and performances, raffles, food and basketball.

Cultural performances at Cannons Creek in East Porirua
Cultural performances at Cannons Creek in East Porirua Photo: Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor
Delicious food on offer at Cannons Creek Super Saturday event
Delicious food on offer at Cannons Creek Super Saturday event Photo: Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor
Cannons Creek Super Saturday
Cannons Creek Super Saturday Photo: Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor

It was there that crowds got to watch the Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, spread his legs to the much loved Roimata.

When Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked people who they got vaccinated for, they replied “The East!”

In the South Island, members of the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust were at the whānau day at Nelson Intermediate School.

Around 100 people there had received the Covid-19 jab by midday.

Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust chair Sonny Alesana said reaching out on social media is helping to boost the number of Pasifika vaccinated in the top of the South Island.

*Additional reporting by Penina Momoiseā from The Coconet TV.